We are thrilled to announce a significant addition to the CPNZ Trust Board, someone with a wealth of experience and passion for community safety and emergency management. Please join me in welcoming Kathy Wright, who will be spearheading CPNZ’s efforts in Health and Safety, Risk, and Emergency Management.

Kathy brings a wealth of experience to CPNZ, having dedicated nearly 40 years to nursing with a specialisation in emergency and trauma nursing. Her commitment to service and education is exemplified by her various roles, including leading the Nursing Wound Care Management team to Samoa post-tsunami. Kathy played a pivotal role in running the Tsunami Ward and acted as an advisor to the Emergency Operations Centre during this critical time.

Further highlighting her expertise, Kathy held a NZAID contract to establish the Cook Islands Ministry of Health Wound Care program. Her role as Incident Controller in the Emergency Operations Centre for the Counties Manukau DHB response to Novel A H1N1 Influenza underscores her leadership in managing complex health emergencies.

Kathy’s academic achievements include a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing, a Post Graduate Diploma in Advanced Nursing, and a Master of Nursing with Honours (Clinical Education / Work-based Training) from the University of Auckland, awarded in September 2007.

In 2008, Kathy co-founded C4 Group Ltd, a leading NZQA training provider specialising in security and emergency management training. Her commitment to community resilience is reflected in her completion of a Post-Graduate Diploma in Emergency Management, where she focused on vulnerable communities.

For the past 15 years, Kathy has been associated with CPNZ. She has been a founding member, training officer for Ellerslie, and held various roles, including a two-year stint as a patroller, committee member, and Health and Safety Officer for Tauranga South.

Kathy’s journey with CPNZ was briefly interrupted by the challenges posed by COVID-19, prompting her return to Auckland to manage her company. We are delighted that Kathy is now back in Tauranga and eager to rejoin Tauranga South. Her enthusiasm for CPNZ’s growth and professionalism is evident as she expresses pride in the strengthened partnership with the Police and the increased professionalism in the community safety space.

With Kathy’s appointment to the Trust Board, we are confident that CPNZ will continue to thrive in both community safety and emergency response support. Please join us in welcoming Kathy, and we look forward to her valuable contributions to CPNZ.